Do I really need to see the GP about DLA?

[vixen1]

Hi all,

Just filling out DS's DLA form and the cerebra guide says to make an appointment with your GP. Is this really necessary? What things should I say other than obviously that I'm claiming DLA?

Should I take DS with me? To be honest I'd rather not because in a short space of time the GP might get the wrong impression that he's a typical child...

Also, any tips on filling out the section about what your child would do during the day if they had the help they need? I find it a bit of a vague question and don't really know how I should format and answer...

Thanks

Northernsky - thanks, that does really help. Do you end up repeating yourself in that section then (as well as most of the others roll eyes)? I mean if I described doing an art activity at home for example I would have to repeat all his issues about lack of understanding, poor pencil grasp, eating play-doh etc...

actually even in that one sentence there are several things I realise I left out!

Also, is it ok to type the extra sheets that go on the form? God, I'm getting so nervous, it's not just a form to fill out is it? - It's like some massive art project...

The short answer is 'no'. But DWP might well write to your GP with a huge form for them to fill in about your ds's condition so it's worth a visit to check their records have got accurate, comprehensive and up to date info. They usually get all the paed / camhs letters but aren't always copied in on OT/ SALT reports, and rarely get ed psych stuff.

Often, the really crucial info is missing cos it wasn't relevant to the things you normally might consult with. The fact a child lie down and cries in the street when you take an unfamiliar route, or the 45 minute battle to get them dressed every morning: this type of stuff probably isn't in the notes but is hugely helpful.

Take ds if he'll display obviously abnormal behaviours , but you might speak more freely about him if he isn't there. If you feel 10 min isn't enough, you can book one appointment in his name and one in your own. Carers are more likely to forget things like smears, and to get ill. So we're entitled to a check-up every so often, and to an annual flu jab (cos how would you manage ds if you were incapacitated?)

sorry cross posted. The answer to whether you have to see GP is no. The answer to can you attach extra bits of paper is of course yes...

I typed the information into a word document, cut it up into separate paragraphs and then stuck them onto the appropriate boxes. There's not enough room to write it out by hand. Just make it as easy as possible for the person that's reading it and remember to write the name and NI number (if you have one) on each sheet.

It's not a form it's a major project and a very demoralising one at that. make sure you have lots of wine and chocolate to hand.

The wine's already making its way down my oesophogus

Sorry for being thick but whos' NI number... mine?

Thanks Mariagoretti - I guess the only info that the GP will provide is copies of the reports but I'm planning on providing all that anyway... is that OTT? Should I cherry pick the reports?

Thanks Al1son - did you have a successful outcome from yours?

oops, oesophAgus... clearly more pissed than I though already

The form they send to the dr is nearly as bad as the one the parent gets. Lots of questions with answers which have to be written in silly little boxes. I have a feeling it also says something about not just attaching hospital letters. And timescale for returning it is fairly short. They do get paid for it, but not enough to cover the locum costs for the time to do it properly. So it's worth spoon-feeding the GP with accurate information and helping them to do a good job for you!

brilliant mariagoretti, that's really helpful info, thank you. Would it be worth giving the GP a copy of my completed form?

I was lucky that I got middle rate care and low rate mobility without them contacting anyone for confirmation.

On the advice of a very 'in the know' friend I used the last section to describe the impact of DD's difficulties on the rest of the family and to give a blow by blow account of a typical day in her life.

Remember that you're focus must be on the time it takes you to support her rather than how hard it is for her to cope.

I offered the psychologist a copy of my completed form and he said no thanks because he had to respond from his own knowledge and experience of her.

Include every report you've got even if they're a bit repetitive. Also include any letters about extra school provision.

Good luck.

I never put the gp's details on the form.. instead I direct them to the Paed, as my son never sees the gp except for chest infections and bowel meds!

As far as I know they didn't bother asking the paed last time either!! I just keep sending the same old reports in....:)

Northernsky - with that horrible question is it ok to lump togther two activities which need to be carried out in a similar way? For example our trip to the zoo is frought with the same difficulties as our trip to the play plark... can I mention these as separate activities but describe them as one?

So bloody complicated...

Haha, thanks NortherSky That does make a lot of sense and it's alsio why I'm finding the whole thing so difficult - I have already mentioned the play park in part 6 and 7 and feel like I'm just repeating myself.

Definitely going to mention the zoo at some poitn as we only live down the road and have a season ticket so we go quite often... would that be worth mentioning?

Thanks, I really appreciate this help